Nation international friendlies

Nation International Friendlies: The Indian senior women’s team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Nepal in their second match of the Women’s Tri-Nation International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, on Monday.

A brace from Nepal striker Sabitra Bhandari (2’, 63’) put the visitors on the front foot, before Karishma Shirvoikar (81’) pulled one back late in the second half, scoring her first-ever goal for the senior national team.

Nepal got an early start to the game when Sabitra was set through on goal in the second minute itself, as she chased a bouncing ball before dinking it over India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu to hand her side the early advantage.One goal down, India began their search for a way back into the game, with Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi pulling the strings from midfield. Her powerful shot from outside the box in the quarter-hour mark was tipped over the bar by Anjana Rana Magar. Minutes later, the India midfielder’s low free-kick at goal was also saved.